Google Messenger SMS Verification

The Google Messenger SMS verification step is what switches on RCS chat in Google Messages; here is where a virtual number helps and where it does not.

Google Messenger is the original name of Google's Android messaging app: launched as Messenger in 2014, it became Android Messages and, in December 2023, Google Messages. Besides SMS and MMS it supports RCS chats with typing indicators, read receipts and end-to-end encryption. When you turn RCS on, Google sends an SMS to confirm your phone number.

RCS works together with the SIM and carrier in your phone, and the verification text goes to the number on that device, so a virtual number that is not in the phone should not be expected to activate RCS. A virtual number makes more sense where you type a code in yourself, for example when creating a separate Google account to pair with Messages for web without giving out your personal number.

If RCS stays on 'Setting up' for more than a day, retry from the RCS chats section in settings and make sure Messages is your default SMS app. If your phone is lost, Google sends a code to your number so you can switch RCS off remotely, and you are removed from RCS group chats if it is not turned back on within 30 days. Keep control of the number you use with RCS.